Von der Leyen: Ukraine's security is Europe's first line of defence

Ukraine's security must be ensured as Europe's first line of defence - von der Leyen after meeting with Zelensky, Rutte and Costa

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen after a meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte and President of the European Council António Costa emphasised that Ukraine's security must be ensured as the first line of defence of our alliance.

Von der Leyen noted that the European Union will continue to contribute to all international efforts to establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In her statement, she stressed that the future security architecture of Europe is impossible without guarantees for Ukraine.

Context of the meeting

The talks in Brussels took place against the backdrop of ongoing discussions on long-term mechanisms to support Ukraine, its defence capabilities and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The EU and NATO emphasise that Ukraine is a key element of stability on the continent and that its defence is a common European priority.